UAE to Mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 02, 2025
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The UAE will observe World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, with a focus on promoting a supportive and understanding environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ensuring their full inclusion in all aspects of life. The country aims to empower individuals with autism, enhancing their skills, quality of life, and participation in society as valued members.
The UAE is committed to fostering social cohesion and driving sustainable development by providing the necessary resources and support to individuals with autism. Through various initiatives, the nation works to help these individuals develop their potential and secure a brighter, safer future.
The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with autism, offering internationally accredited care and rehabilitation programmes to 522 students across its centres in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Aisha Al Mansoori, Director of the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, which is part of ZHO, emphasized the importance of collective efforts from both institutions and individuals to support people with autism. She highlighted the role of raising awareness, particularly in schools, to ensure greater inclusion. Al Mansoori also stressed the significance of early intervention, noting that earlier detection facilitates better educational and social integration.
“The earlier the intervention, the easier it is to develop the student’s abilities by focusing on education and enhancing their academic and social skills,” she said.
ZHO’s programmes are tailored to each individual’s unique needs, offering specialized training plans and organising workplace visits to ensure that tasks are performed independently, according to each person’s abilities.
Additionally, ZHO has extended its impact internationally, delivering several sessions of the “Bridges of Hope” programme for mothers, guardians, and families of individuals with autism in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
This observance of World Autism Awareness Day reflects the UAE’s ongoing dedication to improving the lives of people with autism and fostering a more inclusive society.
